Natalia Baquedano

Natalia Baquedano (1872–1936) was one of the pioneers of photography in Mexico. She was one of the first women to open a photographic studio, located at 6, Alcaiceria Street in Mexico City. At the time, there were 30 women photographers in Mexico, in comparison to the hundreds of women working as photographers in the United States. The Mexican historiography has considered her one of the first Mexican photographers.

As Bartra and Monroy have pointed out, the case of Baquedano is relevant since she preferred to study and work than becoming, as the great majority of women on her time, to become a mother and a wife. She opened one of the first studios where women worked in Mexico. She also created innovative photographic processes.

Biography Bartra points out that Baquedano was born in the city of Querétaro in 1872. Her parents were Francisco Baquedano, owner of a food packing plant, and Isabel Hurtado, who had four other daughters. Rodríguez indicates that Baquedano began her artistic training at the city of Querétaro "under Direction of Mr. Almaraz in the fields of drawing, painting and sculpture." Monroy points out that Baquedano became independent from her family when she was young, traveling and establishing herself in Mexico City to enter the National Art School, probably between 1895 And 1897, something really atypical at the end of the 19th century.

Both Bartra and Rodríguez provide data concerning the photographic study founded and operated by Natalia Baquedano: the first states that it was located on Calle Alcacería No. 6, corner of "5 de Mayo", and the second that it was opened in 1898 along with a partner, A Rico, under the name National Photography.

In addition to these biographical data, it is known that Baquedano did not marry or have any children, and that she died in 1936 at the age of 64.

Work Both Bartra and Rodriguez point out that Baquedano was mainly devoted to portrait. Rodríguez cites an announcement of National Photography that indicated the type of work done in this one: "photography on platinum paper, albumin, silk, porcelain, metal and everything that can be applied photographs. - Illuminations on oil mirrors and watercolor. - Portraits, views and groups outside the workshop. Conventional prices. Amplifications of all sizes, direct or taken from any portrait, however small, guaranteed the likeness." have studied her work. Some articles in different magazines (Política y Cultura, UAM Xochimilco; Alquimia) and article in the book Fotógrafos en México (1872-1960) are the closest to a biography.